Top 10 Tips for Buying Land

What kind of Location Analysis has been performed by the developer?

Bluegreen goes to great lengths to research the following:

Future Planned Major Thoroughfares “The way to make money in real estate is to find out where the people are going and buy the land before they get there.” Will Rogers

• Educational Quality and Opportunities
  • Where is the proximity and what is the quality of education that local schools provide?
  • What private schools are available in the area?
  • What institutions of higher education are available?
• Demographic Trends
  • What is the population density of the area?
  • What is the average household income in the area?
  • What is the average age of local residents?
  • How many people per household is the average in the area?
• Distance to Shopping Facilities
  • What is the distance and variety of shopping in the area?
  • Where are the closest retail malls?
  • How far to the nearest grocery store?
  • Are there local convenience stores?
• Distance to Emergency Facilities
  • How close is the local fire department?
  • What police protection is available?
  • How close and what are the hospitals in the area?
  • What private physicians and dentists practice in the area?
  • Where is the closest pharmacy?
  • What after hour clinics or pharmacies are available?
• Employment Opportunities
  • Who are the major employers are in the area?
  • Are any major companies moving to the area?
• Local Taxes and Ordinances
  • What are the tax rates for the county and schools?
  • Are there other local taxes?
  • Are there MUD (Municipal Utility District) Taxes?

What are the deed restrictions, if any, on the property

Bluegreen wants to protect values without limiting use and enjoyment.

• Are there timelines requiring building?
• What minimum or maximum square footage is allowed?
• Are there restrictions on fencing?
• Do they allow commercial business?
• What pet or livestock restrictions are there?
• Are there architectural requirements?
• What are the building setback distances?
• What other aesthetic requirements are there?

What infrastructure is in place to assure enforcement and maintenance?

Bluegreen insures that there is an infrastructure in place to protect land values.

• Is there a property owners association?
• Is there an adequate maintenance fee to maintain common areas?
• Is there a property management company employed by the POA?
• Does the association have enforcement power?
• What voting power do I have as an owner?

What type of ownership will I have if I purchase?

Bluegreen conveys title up front and does NOT sale under a “Contract for Deed”.

• Is Title Insurance available?
• Do I receive a warranty deed?
• Is my deed recorded?
• Has the chain of title been examined?
• Are there any exceptions to title?
• Who owns the minerals?

To what length was the area engineered?

Bluegreen uses State Certified and Licensed Engineers only, not land planners.

• How has the topography been taken into consideration during planning?
• Have all State, City, County, or other local ordinances been adhered to?
• Have the County developing rules and regulations been adhered to?
• Has proper drainage been installed?
• Have adequate detention or retention areas been designated?

Is my property surveyed?

Bluegreen insures each homesite has steel pins marking all corners of a property.

• Is the plat recorded at the County Clerk’s Office?
• Has the Commissioner’s Court approved the Plat?
• Has the Plat been reviewed by County Engineers?
• Have County Attorneys reviewed the plat?

Does this property flood?

Bluegreen insures that all Bluegreen Communities®® have been reviewed for proper disclosure.

• Is my property affected by the FEMA 100 year flood plain?
• Is any of the property in the FEMA Floodway?
• What surrounding property drains onto us?
• What surrounding properties do we drain onto?
• What major creeks, streams, or rivers are in the area?
• What has history shown about uncommon rainfall?
• Will my property require fill before building?
• Can I install a septic system?
• Where does my drinking water come from?
• Are there any jurisdictional waterways in the area?

How does my property affect the environment?

Bluegreen is an environmentally conscious and friendly company.

• Has an environmental impact study been done on the land and community?
• Are there any known endangered plants or animals affected?
• Are there any significant archeological finds that affect this property?
• Are wetland habitats being protected or destroyed?
• Are wetland habitats being added for environmental friendliness?

What Geotechnical research has been done on the area?

Bluegreen goes to extremes to determine complete disclosure.

• Are there any fault lines in the area that affect the property?
• Have soil samples and cores been studied?
• Are soil conditions favorable for building without a lot of extra expense?
• How well will my septic tank perform in these soil conditions?

What nearby hazards or nuisances affect the property?

Bluegreen does not develop in areas of either.

• Are there high levels of pollution in the air?
• Are there any known chemical or waste sites in the area?
• Is the quality of the water assured and inspected?
• Are there any major airports or other possible noise pollutants in the area?

Is financing available?

Bluegreen offers many forms of financing.

• Where do I get financing?
• Do I contact them myself or do I have help?
• Are there special incentives or discounts available?
• What varieties of terms are available?
• How much do I need to put down?
• What are the interest rates?
• Can I pay off the property early?
• Does my property have to be paid for before I can build?

What recreation or entertainment is available in the area?

Bluegreen develops in areas that offer improved lifestyle changes.

• What county or city parks are in the area?
• Are there social events in the area?
• What amenities are available in the community?
• Are there public or private golf courses in the area?
• Are there movie theaters in the area?
• Are there major concerts facilities in the area?
• Are there family planned activities within the community?
• What extracurricular activities are available for children?
• What health and fitness centers are in the area?
• Are there quality restaurants in the area?
• Are there organized sports activities in the area for children?
• What activities are available for retired people?
• Where are the public libraries located?

What type of warranty or customer service should I expect after the sale?

Bluegreen is dedicated to customer satisfaction. Bluegreen has been in business over 40 years, and has developed over 500 communities in 24 different states. Bluegreen adheres to all Federal, State, and Local requirements. We register a HUD Report with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Most developers do NOT). Bluegreen has a 1-800 toll free number in Boca Raton Florida for our customers to contact us even years down the road after a community is sold out! Bluegreen provides you with the home phone number of your Sales Representative, Community Sales Manager, and office of Divisional President. You will always be able to contact us! Bluegreen also insures that every property we sell will be utilized for the purpose in which it was intended!

BEFORE BUYING LAND ANYWHERE, YOU SHOULD KNOW THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS!